A champion rower has died in a freak accident after he swallowed a bee whilst out training.
Waldonilton de Andrade Reis had been leading a group of cyclists near the beach of Ponta Negra, near Manaus, Brazil, when a bee flew into his mouth.
Local media reported that it led to a severe allergic reaction that would leave him brain dead and ultimately claimed his life.
The 43-year-old had been in a training session on March 2nd, when the incident took place, and medics declared him dead in hospital 21 days later.
There was a brief window to save him if he could’ve been given oxygen and medical treatment within three minutes of the sting, his sister claims.
But Waldonilton was said to be too far for well-equipped emergency services to reach him in time.
His sister Rosilene Reis told Brazilian outlets that he spent 20 minutes desperately fighting for breath before medics finally arrived.
She said: "There was no help, no health centre, no hospital close by. The most that was available was a Fire Department base that didn't have a doctor on duty."
As others looked for help, a sergeant from the local fire department arrived at the scene and managed to revive him before paramedics arrived at the scene.
Waldonilton was then rushed to the Joventine Dias Emergency Service just over five miles away.
From there he was sent to another hospital and placed in intensive care but on March 23 doctors said he no longer had any vital signs.
Rosilene said: "The doctors told us that the brain can go up to three minutes without oxygenation.
"If there had been adequate care, a doctor, a fireman, or a health centre, someone could have resuscitated my brother.
"But how did he pass? More than three minutes, it took a while to be taken to Joventina, he couldn't stand it. No person could stand it."
The family have called for measures to be taken to avoid similar accidents from happening again, with adequate emergency services being set up in the area.
